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Superb and rare 1970s Space Age / Atomic Age diamond and onyx ring by Cartier. The ring has an outstanding geometric cubic / Cubist Retrofuturism (Retro-futurism) design (resembling some of the most outstanding French Art Deco Cubist and Machine Age designs like those of Jean Despres), having a large onyx gem attached sligthly assymetrically to a modernist type of 18K yellow gold shank and further topped by a rectangular platinum diamond plaque. The platinum plaque is paved with 10 round brilliant cut diamonds (total estimated diamond weight being around 0,70cts). All diamonds are perfect white F-G color and average VS clarity. This yellow gold ring is a heavy 18 karat piece with gross weight of 16.5 grams. Ring size is 51 (US size 5.75, UK size L). The large and bulgy onyx gemstone is exceptionally well polished like a mirror glass and measures 20x15x5mm, while the top of the ring itself stands out about 12-13mm (0.5”) over the finger. The ring is signed Cartier, marked 18K and embossed with Cartier inventory number 39848. This is one of the most standing out and typical 1970s modernist and space age designs made by Cartier we have ever seen. Other major jewelry firms of that time like Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, Boucheron, etc. have also incorporated similar designs into their jewels, but the present Cartier ring brings out the essence of the period and stands out by far. Absolutely scarce collector jewelry piece and one of the important Space Age rings and jewels fashion designs of the Cartier firm.
Some further details on Atomic Age, Space Age and Retro Futurism designs (courtesy of Wikipedia):
Atomic Age in design refers to the period when concerns about nuclear war dominated Western society during the Cold War. Architecture, industrial design, commercial design (including advertising), interior design, and fine arts were all influenced by the themes of atomic science, as well as the Space Age, which coincided with that period. Atomic Age design became popular and instantly recognizable, with a use of atomic motifs and space age symbols. Retro-futurism is a current resurgence of interest in Atomic Age design. Atomic particles themselves were reproduced in visual design, in areas ranging from architecture to barkcloth patterns. The geometric atomic patterns that were produced in textiles, industrial materials, melamine counter tops, dishware and wallpaper, and many other items, are emblematic of Atomic Age design. The Space Age interests of the public also began showing up in Atomic Age designs, with star and galaxy motifs appearing with the atomic graphics. There are similarities between many Atomic Age designs and the mid-century modern trend of the same time. Elements of Atomic Age and Space Age design were dominant in the Googie design movement in commercial buildings in the United States. Some streamlined industrial designs also echoed the influence of futurism that had been seen much earlier in Art Deco design.
Whereas Atomic Age motifs and structures leaned towards design fields such as architecture and industrial design, Space Age design spread into a broader range of consumer products, including clothing fashion, and even animation styles, as with the popular television show The Jetsons. Beginning with the dawn of the Space Age (commonly attributed to the launch of Sputnik in October, 1957), Space Age design captured the optimism and faith in technology that was felt by much of society during the 1950s and 1960s. Space Age design also had a more vernacular character, appearing in accessible forms that quickly became familiar to mainstream consumers. Space Age design became more closely associated with kitsch and with Googie architecture for popular commercial buildings such as diners, bowling alleys, and shops. "Space Age design is closely tied to the pop movement, the fusion of popular culture, art, design, and fashion". Two of the most well-known fashion designers to use Space Age themes in their designs were Pierre Cardin and Paco Rabanne. Pierre Cardin established the futuristic trend of using synthetic and industrial materials in fashion, with "forward thinking" innovations in his early 1960s work. Cardin "popularized the use of everyday materials for fashion items, like vinyl and metal rings for dresses, carpentry nails for brooches, and common decorative effects such as geometric cut-outs, appliqués, large pockets, helmets and oversized buttons". In 1964, Cardin launched his "space age" line, and André Courrèges showed his "Moon Girl" collection.
Retrofuturism took its current shape in the 1970s, a time when technology was rapidly changing. From the advent of the personal computer to the birth of the first test tube baby, this period was characterized by intense and rapid technological change. But many in the general public began to question whether applied science would achieve its earlier promise—that life would inevitably improve through technological progress. In the wake of the Vietnam War, environmental depredations, and the energy crisis, many commentators began to question the benefits of applied science. But they also wondered, sometimes in awe, sometimes in confusion, at the scientific positivism evinced by earlier generations. Retrofuturism “seeped into academic and popular culture in the 1960s and 1970s,” inflecting George Lucas’ Star Wars and the paintings of pop artist Kenny Scharf alike." A great deal of attention is drawn to fantastic machines, buildings, cities, and transportation systems. The futuristic design aesthetic of the early 20th century tends to solid colors, streamlined shapes, and mammoth scales. It might be said that 20th century futuristic vision found its ultimate expression in the development of Googie or Populuxe design. As applied to fiction, this brand of retrofuturistic visual style is also referred to as Raygun Gothic, a catchall term for a visual style that incorporates various aspects of the Googie, Streamline Moderne, and Art Deco architectural styles when applied to retro-futuristic science fiction environments. Aspects of these forms of retrofuturism can also be associated with the late 1970s and early 1980s the neo-Constructivist revival that emerged in art and design circles. Designers like David King in the UK and Paula Scher in the US imitated the cool, futuristic look of the Russian avant-garde in the years following the Russian Revolution.

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$12500.00 / €8928.57

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Vicmart

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